my expectations were met....well almost

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2003)

I waited in anticipation for this movie after seeing the brilliant, comic style posters and a few publicity shots of a deserted London.
My expectations were high, and for once my expectations were met.well almost
The opening scene of a baron & silent London is one of the most disturbing pieces of film I have watched. Anyone who has visited these landmarks will understand how these shots leave the viewer experiencing the fear and confusion the characters are going through. And I know the idea has been used before but, the plot of a virus wiping out humanity couldn't have come at a more poignant time with talk of chemical weapons & virus attacks making the headlines. The story starts to evolve into a wonderful Sci-Fi thriller until they get to the Army Blockade and this is the point were the film Losses itself, luckily only for a short time. The arrival of the Army seems to herald the arrival of a whole new film. Now I love the way it progresses from an apocalyptic Sci-Fi flic to Action horror, yet I can see why many people find the jump in plot a bit hard to swallow. The energy & pace of the 2nd half is completely different to the 1st and this sudden change although crucial to the story is hard for the viewer to comprehend. A lot of reviewers have also commented on how shooting with digital video gives a cheap feel to the picture but look carefully at how beautiful the giant drops of rain look when the main character starts his fight back, Im sure you'll agree it only enhances the feel of a dark, desolate world.
The change in tempo is the only set back of the film, but I really can't see how else the story could have been moved on. The acting is excellent, the soundtrack is great and I still havent got over the shot of the upturned bus out of my head. 9/10
Also get this on DVD as the deleted scenes are excellent.